Before elected officials even consider a possible increase in the island’s minimum wage, they need to follow the law and ensure an economic impact study is properly done.

On Jan. 1 last year, Guam’s minimum wage increased to $8.25 an hour under local law, which made the local rate higher than the $7.25 per hour set under federal law.

In light of the business community’s concerns, local law requires that Guam’s subsequent minimum wage increases be contingent on an economic impact study. Under local law, the study must be completed by March this year, and submitted to the Guam Legislature and the governor by April. The Guam Economic Development Authority and the Guam Department of Labor have the task of ensuring the study is completed on time.

Local economist Joseph Bradley this week said that if his forecast for a 3 percent to 4 percent economic growth for Guam materializes this year, the island may be able to absorb another minimum-wage increase.

Gov. Eddie Calvo didn’t say whether he supports it, but in a special address released Tuesday, he said: “I want to know more details about the impact, and whether employees and employers believe the time is ripe for another increase.”

If elected officials truly want to help people improve their quality of life, a minimum wage increase isn’t the right approach. You can’t legislate people out of poverty.

And a minimum wage isn’t meant to be a living wage. Workers are expected to move from minimum-wage jobs to better-paying positions by gaining more skills, experience and education.

The real cause of low wages is a lack of education and skills. Elected officials should focus their efforts on passing legislation and finding other ways to expand opportunities for residents to receive job training and education. This would make people more desirable to employers and give workers the opportunity to move into higher-paying jobs.

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